The New Almshouses - Raven Court

We are planning to build 6 new almshouses in 2026 on land we are being given behind Cross Farm, on the new development off Colchester Road, at the top of Wivenhoe, close by the Fire Station and Vine Parade shops. 

Why are we being given this land?  Following a successful referendum in 2019, the Wivenhoe Neighbourhood Plan was adopted. This meant that any Planning Application submitted to the local planning authority, that is Colchester City Council, must be determined in accordance with the planning policies contained in the Neighbourhood Plan.

The Neighbourhood Plan Policy Wiv 31 (1) Land behind the Fire Station:    requires………                                                                                             “The gift of 0.15 hectare of land to build a minimum of 5 dwellings suitable for people over 60 in need of housing, currently or recently living in Wivenhoe or working in Wivenhoe or having close family connection to people in Wivenhoe, to a suitable housing charity”

As a consequence, when Cala Homes took on the development of the land, as part of their planning consent, and in line with the Neighbourhood Plan, they were required to donate the specified land to the Wivenhoe Housing Trust.

In mid 2025 we obtained the necessary planning consent as the design we submitted seemed liked by everyone. It has been an absolute age for Cala to transfer ownership of this piece of land to the Wivenhoe Housing Trust. We expect this to be finally achieved in early July 2026 and then work to start construction of them will begin immediately.  Completion is expected mid-2027.

What they will look like? They have been designed to look like three converted barn-like buildings around a communal courtyard, using materials in keeping with the adjacent Cross Farm and Watsham Place buildings. They will be reasonably spacious with a single bedroom, lounge kitchen and bathroom with a shower.   There will be 6 on-site car parking spaces, and covered areas to keep bicycles and mobility scooters.  Under-floor heating will be provided by air-source heat pumps. The trustees hope to be able to incorporate solar panels.

As our other almshouses, future residents will need to be aged 60 or over, already living in Wivenhoe or having a family connection here and in need of housing.  

The trustees will advertise these vacancies when the building of them is under way when a selection process can begin, as the trustees are aware that a lot of people are interested in living at Raven Court. 

See the PRESS RELEASE of 10th July 2026 for latest information about Raven Court